SMART CONTROLS
diseases is negated somewhat with heat recovery ventilation, which both removes the risk of disease spreading and improves energy consumption. Air conditioning units in particular contribute
signifi cantly to a building’s energy consumption, equating to 10% of the UK’s electricity consumption and as such it is important that we bear in mind ways to counteract the emissions this creates. Global energy demand for air conditioning units
is expected to triple by 2050, as temperatures continue to rise year on year. The effi ciency performance of new conditioning units will be key when it comes to ensuring that escalating demand does not equate to greater emissions. Another issue for suppliers and manufacturers to address is diff ering rates of consumption for AC units in diff erent countries, with units sold in Japan and the EU typically more effi cient than those found in China and the US.
Modularisation
Modular HVACs have also become increasingly popular in recent years. Modular HVACs are
responsible for heating, cooling and distributing air through an entire building, with their increase in popularity largely down to their greater levels of energy effi ciency, cost eff ectiveness, fl exibility and substantial ease of installation and maintenance. Modular HVACs can be tailored specifi cally for workspaces and they often allow work to be done on the systems without disturbing the workforce, achieved primarily through rooftop placement. Commercial workspaces are larger and often require diff ering needs to residential properties and can cater to many of the specifi c requirements of work and commercial spaces. As we strive for lower carbon emissions, it seems that this trend will continue and will become a key area in reducing emissions that HVACs have traditionally generated. System maintenance and training To meet government and industry requirements, many new buildings will require HVAC systems that can be maintained simply in order to perform in a more energy effi cient way. Many companies are looking at ways to become climate neutral and signifi cantly reduce their
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footprint. Companies are following the likes of German based Wilo Group, who have announced they are committing to sustainable manufacturing by developing a new carbon neutral plant and HQ in the next few years. As we continue to move towards an ever
more environmentally conscious society, it will be of paramount importance for companies, governments and the public to think about ways in which we can lower carbon emissions. Smart technologies will certainly be at the forefront of this, negating many needless journeys and making it easier for industries to adjust settings and tackle issues remotely. Greater levels of training will help equip us with the tools to make sure we are best placed to reduce emissions and be more sustainable as a result. While the steps outlined above do show some progress and measures we can take, there is far more that we can do as a sector to signifi cantly reduce HVAC’s carbon footprint and once we have moved beyond the impact of the COVID- 19 pandemic, this will surely be at the front of industry leader minds.
www.acr-news.com • July 2021 29
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